Sunday, July 29, 2012

Mood, dark, atmospheric, terrific performances, insight into the nitty gritty side of survival - if you enjoy watching that, you will love "Hard Times" (1975), starring Charles Bronson and James Coburn.

Speed (James Coburn) coaching Chaney (Charles Bronson).

"Hard Times," directed by Walter Hill for Columbia, stars Charles Bronson as "Chaney," a mysterious loner riding the rails during
the Great Depression. Chaney is self-sufficient but needs to make a few
bucks. He happens upon Speed (James Coburn), a mouthy bare-knuckles fight
manager barely getting by. Together, presumably but not necessarily to their
ultimate mutual advantage, they go into business. Jill Ireland, Bronson's real-life wife, is around as a possible love interest for Chaney.

Bare-knuckle brawling is intense, and Charles Bronson gives it his all.

"Hard Times" fits into several genres. First and foremost, it's the
ultimate tough-guy film. Everything about "Hard Times" reeks of
testosterone. While everybody lives on the edge of the law, there still
is a clear code of conduct that is inviolable and enforced by cold,
hard cash and brute force (as exemplified by what happens to someone
who willfully violates that code, the unfortunate Pettibon (a sneering
Edward Walsh)). The resolution, as is usually the case in these "honor" films, comes down to saving a fallen comrade. While the subject of the film is fighting, and so the story is crammed full of violence, the
real underlying current is about respect. And, when you come right down
to it, that's what tough guy films are also always about, getting
respect and how you earn it.

Doing a deal before the big fight in "Hard Times."

Second, this is a Depression film that is reminiscent of several other
films of that time that convey a similar atmosphere ("Emperor of the
North," "They Shoot Horses, Don't They," "Bonnie and Clyde," and "Paper
Moon" all come quickly to mind). There are fantastic shots of
paddle-wheelers, fancy cars of the period, and other little touches
that are used to great effect to transport you back to that time. Of
course, when you compare a retro film like this with films about the
gritty side of life actually made during the Depression (see "Wild
Boys," for instance), you realize that "Hard Times" is idealized and
sanitized. It is no less enjoyable for that.

Chaney (Charles Bronson) on the make in "Hard Times."

Third, this is a film about relationships. No, not male-female ones,
there is very little of that, and the women unfortunately all are
portrayed as either prostitutes or shrews. The relationships are between
friends (Coburn and Strother Martin, in yet another fabulous character role), business partners (Coburn and Bronson, who aren't friends, but have a personal bond that extends beyond mere self interest), and
enemies (Coburn owes loan sharks, and has a continuing relationship
with one of them, Gandil (Michael McGuire), and with other gangsters).

Chaney grappling with a sneering fighter in "Hard Times."

Despite all the drama, the film
makes clear that whether these fellows work together or against each
other, they all realize that they need each other to get along. So,
even when one guy's fighter loses, everyone is OK with it (usually) as
long as it is all done above-board or at least with honor. Breaking
those rules by cheating or scamming is a very bad thing and requires
retribution and restitution. But, that's still just part of the game
and it is understood by everyone that some will attempt to cheat and
scam. The rules and their enforcement are essential to keep the whole
business going. As is said at the end, "The next best thing to playing
and winning, is playing and losing."

Speed watching his investment in "Hard Times."

There are other key elements - it is classic Coburn/Bronson, it has a
sentimental air as shown with the bit about the cat at the end, there
are great supporting performances by the likes of the terrific Bruce
Glover playing a mob enforcer - but the above should provide a good
idea about what to expect. If you are looking for a classic film about
hard men and why they are like that, go out of your way to see this
film.

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